Italy is a paradise for food lovers, where every meal tells a story, and every city has its own culinary masterpiece.
If you’re a foodie looking to learn Italian, why not combine the language of love with the language of food?
Here are four fantastic cities where you can immerse yourself in both delicious cuisine and beautiful Italian words!
Vasto: a coastal gem with a taste of tradition
Nestled on the Adriatic coast in the region of Abruzzo, Vasto is an underrated gem that offers stunning seaside views.
What not to miss:
- Brodetto alla Vastese: This local fish stew is made with fresh catches of the day, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a dish that captures the essence of Vasto’s fishing heritage.
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: One of the region’s finest wines, this robust red is the perfect companion to hearty Italian meals.
Vasto is ideal for food lovers because its cuisine is still so closely tied to its traditions.
Plus, it’s off the beaten tourist path, giving you a more authentic and immersive language-learning experience.
Read more about our Italian and Cooking Course in Abruzzo.
Bologna: the food capital of Italy
Bologna is synonymous with Italian food. It’s the birthplace of iconic dishes that have made their way to kitchens worldwide.
What not to miss:
- Tagliatelle con ragù alla bolognese: While you might know it as Bolognese sauce, the authentic version is served with tagliatelle, not spaghetti. The rich, meaty ragù is a prime example of how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary.
- Mortadella: Bologna’s finest cold cut is an absolute delight, often served thinly sliced in sandwiches or on charcuterie boards.
Learning Italian in Bologna means you’ll perfect your language skills and gain a deep appreciation for some of Italy’s most beloved dishes.
Read more about our Italian cookery course in Bologna.
Taormina: Sicilian flavours with a view
Sicily has a unique culinary history due to its various cultural influences.
The picturesque town of Taormina is an excellent place to explore regional cuisine while learning Italian and enjoying breathtaking views.
What not to miss:
- Arancini: These fried rice balls filled with meat or cheese are the quintessential Sicilian street food. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, arancini are small bites of heaven.
- Cannoli: When it comes to dessert, these sweet ricotta-filled pastries reign supreme. It is said that Cicero already appreciated the cannolo in 70 B.C. when he described it as a “delicious cylindric pastry with a milk base”.
Taormina’s laid-back island vibe will make learning fun and flavourful while soaking in the sun and the sea breeze.
Read more about our Italian and cookery course in Taormina.
Florence: Tuscany’s art, culture, and cuisine
Florence is famous for its art, but it’s also a hub for Tuscan cuisine. It’s the perfect setting for food lovers who also want to dive deep into the culture of Italy.
What not to miss:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: This massive, perfectly grilled T-bone steak is Florence’s crown jewel. Cooked simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, it showcases the quality of Tuscan beef.
- Ribollita: This is your dish if you love veggies. The main ingredients of this hearty soup include beans, bread, cabbage and a selection of vegetables that depend on the season.
Learning Italian in Florence offers a sensory experience: stunning architecture, beautiful art, and rustic yet refined cuisine.
Read more about our Italian cookery course in Florence.
Why learn Italian while taking cooking courses?
There’s something magical about learning Italian while being surrounded by its food culture.
When you take a cooking course, you’re not just learning how to make a dish; you’re learning its history, place in Italian life, and the Italian words that describe it.
Cooking classes offer hands-on learning, helping you memorise Italian vocabulary related to ingredients, techniques, and food traditions.
And trust us, ordering a dish in perfect Italian makes it taste better!
Read more about our Italian and cooking courses in Italy.
Photo credit (cover photo): Mariya @ Pixabay
